Behavioral Ecology of Grasshopper 1xbet best casino website and Deer 1xbet best casino website
Investigator:
Ron E. 1xbet best casino website , Ph.D. Student
Project Supervisor:
Dr. Jack 1xbet best casino website
Funding:
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
National Science Foundation / National Institute of Health
Cooperators:
US Forest Service
Cimarron Comanche National 1xbet best casino website , SW Kansas
SE Colorado
Completion:
May 2009
1xbet best casino website :
Completed
Mating systems of grasshopper 1xbet best casino website : three field seasons of telemetry data are complete (summer 2006 and 2007, winter 2007), and one season remains (summer 2008). To determine the genetic mating system of grasshopper 1xbet best casino website , we are developing a microsatellite library from blood and tissue samples to test for extra-pair paternity. Further screening in spring of 2008 and blood sampling in summer 2008 are required. Population-level analyses will be conducted in Fall 2008.
Dispersal patterns of grasshopper 1xbet best casino website and deer 1xbet best casino website : we have blood and animal samples from 2005-2007, and will complete sampling in summer 2008. The status of microsatellite library development is described above. Measures of relatedness within and among sampled populations will provide relative measures of gene flow between the two species. We will correlate genetic distances with various geographic distances (Euclidean, least-cost, and least-resistance), at two spatial scales: within-grassland and between grasslands (Cimarron and Comanche).
Objectives:
Determine social and genetic mating systems of grasshopper 1xbet best casino website
• Estimate 1xbet best casino website ranges (size, configuration, overlap) of individuals
• 1xbet best casino website extra-pair paternity rates
Determine relative dispersal patterns of grasshopper 1xbet best casino website and deer 1xbet best casino website
• Calculate 1xbet best casino website distances among sub-populations using microsatellite markers
• Relate 1xbet best casino website distance to geographical distance
Progress and Results:
Analysis of fine-scale movements indicates intra-sexual spacing mechanisms (territoriality) and inter-sexual overlap (pair bonding). Intra-sexual home ranges overlapped to a lesser degree during the breeding season (χ2 = 547, df = 1, P < 0.001), whereas inter-sexual overlap did not differ with season (χ2 = 1.32, df = 1, P = 0.251). Our data support the presence of a socially monogamous mating system, congruent with previous observations from literature. Further sampling is required to increase the statistical power of our initial conclusions. The initial sequencing step of microsatellite development indicates that an adequate number of loci (8-12) can be obtained for further development (primer design, amplification, and screening for allelic variability). Most loci contain di-nucleotide repeats ranging between 5 and 20 base pairs in length, consistent with markers used in studies of closely related mammals. We are seeking funds to finish developing the library, after which population-level analyses 1xbet best casino website commence.
Products:
Cully, J. F., Jr., S. K. Collinge, R. E. 1xbet best casino website , C. Ray, W. C. Johnson, B. Thiagarajan, D. B. Conlin, and B. E. Holmes. 2010. Spatial variation in keystone effects: Small mammal diversity associated with black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Ecography 33:667-677.
Cully, J. F., S. K. Collinge, R. E. 1xbet best casino website , C. Ray, W. C. Johnson, B. Thiagarajan, D. B. Conlin, and B. E. Holmes. 2010. Spatial variation in keystone effects: small mammal diversity associated with black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Ecography 33:1-11.
